With such a tumultuous string of news centered around social media changes during this time, a new platform has rapidly and arguably become the most popular network at Campo among students: LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is one of the world’s largest online professional platforms, focused on business and employment, keeping up with industry changes, and allowing users to join interest groups. While it has primarily been utilized by college students and adults for seeking out employment opportunities, Campo students, especially upperclassmen, have considered it to be especially useful for their own purposes. “LinkedIn definitely gets you into the mindset of looking at all of the different opportunities that you have,” said junior Sean Hu while talking about his own experience with the platform. “If you’re a sophomore or junior searching for a job to enhance your education, it’s a good place to look.”
Senior Alex Rothey observed that his experience with LinkedIn began at the start of the year. “I was able to connect with many people in college and outside of school…especially people who are in my field of interest.” He emphasized that networking is ultimately one of the biggest priorities for him whenever he uses the platform, adding, “It’s useful to learn from people who are where you want to be a few years from now, and how they got there.”
Senior Thu Shun Lei agreed with Rothey’s opinion on LinkedIn’s networking, and when prompted, said, “You can hit up different people from schools you’re interested in or the college you’re going to in the fall, and ask them any questions you may have. It’s really important for building a network later on when you’re looking for a job or something.”
Essentially, LinkedIn has become another way for students to showcase their skills and achievements through a more professional brand, granting them other opportunities for formalized career exploration. Not only that, but the platform is a new method for students to utilize in terms of building a professional presence in terms of the school and the broader community.
Across the board, many seniors have chosen to create LinkedIn accounts on the basis of looking for jobs to strengthen their interests in areas of study. “I wouldn’t necessarily recommend getting a LinkedIn account unless you have to,” stated senior Dilon Chugh. “It seems like you’re putting a lot of effort into creating a profile for other people to look at and figure out what you do, but LinkedIn can also be an emblematic way of searching for jobs in an easier process.”
However, this site has been increasingly viewed as a lodestone for resume consolidation and linking with others with the same interests. Senior Emory Hsiao noted that while “it’s another form of social media, when you think about it,” he would encourage upperclassmen to start reaching out via LinkedIn to think about their future.
Even if Linkedin has become viewed as only another social media platform, its unique professional style and ability for students to showcase their skills is a further testament to its growing popularity among students – particularly upperclassmen – on their road to college.
